Hawks of Alba are a little quiet right now, what's the band up to?
“We're taking a short break with a huge 'to do' list. Aidan and I are renovating a house, Hannah is finishing an undergrad degree, and Jeremy has just taken off jet setting overseas.”
Oh yeah? How’s the renovating going?
“The renovations are going slowly! BUT we finally have a working bathroom. We're quickly realising that renovations take a lot of time and energy. We have one room to go until our house isn't a work site and then we can finish some songs!”
And studying?
“Hannah will be sitting her final uni exams in October through November.”
How are the new songs coming along?
“There are lots of ideas going around in my head. I just need some free time to play some guitar and refine the ideas a bit.”
Do they sound different 'sonically' compared to what you've already released?
“I think I'll always write alternative grungy pop songs but the newer ones do sound a bit more grown up.”
Are any particular influences or experiences driving this process?
“I'm a sucker for harmonies and canons - I'd expect the new songs to include these.”
Have you had to overcome writers block? If so, how did you overcome it?
“I had writers block about five or so years ago. I was too busy to hear music ideas in my head. So I basically had to make time. I'm finally working out the conditions I need to feel like writing music. My main problem is I'm over committed with my day-to-day life, and I'm working on fixing that.”
When can we see a new album or EP from The Hawks Of Alba?
“Considering recording, mixing, mastering and manufacturing took us about 9 months last year. I'd say late 2013 BUT I'd be keen on just releasing digital songs as they're finished. This will all be decided on when we've finished the songs to start this process - we're already half way there.”
Are you looking forward to playing some shows over the summer?
“Definitely! More people leave their houses when it's warm - shows over the summer usually have more of a party vibe.”
What do you see as being some of the challenges the band will face over the next six months?
“Deciding on new costumes. When Jeremy joined the band we stopped wearing our wings. I think we need new costumes!”
Do you ever get worried that fans may forget you whilst you're on a break given that fans have short attention spans?
“I think that taking a break is better than making noise when you don't need to.
We'll be back with good songs, forgotten or not.”
Where to from here? Are there any exciting plans on the cards for the summer?
“Other than playing shows and recording we'll see what else comes up. I'd love to play a summer festival *hint**hint*.”
Interview by Rob Lyon